Learning to swim is such an important life skill – and the Peoria Park District has you covered.  Sign up today for lessons for your infant, your toddler, or stroke practice for your tween. We have something for every age group and ability level! Our comprehensive program offers children a safe and enjoyable environment to build confidence in the water. Classes are offered year-round.

Water Exploration (Parent with Child) • Ages 6 months to 3 years

This class is an introduction to water safety and basic water skills for both parent and child. It is not a swim lesson and parents should adjust their expectations accordingly. The Water Exploration and Safety class is meant to allow the child to explore the water in a supervised and fun environment with guidance of the instructor and parent. This class will be repetitive as many kiddos respond well to repetition! Our lessons provide the water toys, sing songs, and play games. **PARENT IN WATER REQUIRED

Preschool Swim Lessons • Ages 3-5 years         

The purpose of this class is to help students feel comfortable in the water without the presence of a parent. Students continue to learn elementary water skills and safety tips that will stay with them throughout ALL swim lesson levels. Instructors will introduce the WaterSmart Rules that are encouraged by Sophie the Safety Seal – our very own mascot for Jeff Ellis Swimming Program.

Beginner Swim Lessons • Ages 5-11 years             

The Beginner level builds on elementary water skills previously learned and teaches students the skills needed to complete a 25 -yard swim for each of the following: elementary backstroke, front crawl, and backstroke. All elementary water skills are reinforced so that they become second nature to the students. All water safety rules are discussed as well. In order to register for the course, you MUST be able to swim.

Advanced Beginner Swim Lessons • Ages 6-12 years  

The Advanced Beginner class teaches children how to master strokes development and requires them to complete a 25 yard swim of breast stroke and front crawl with rhythmic breathing. We introduce scissor kicks and side stroke at this swim level too.

Intermediate Swim Lessons • Ages 6-13 years              

The Intermediate class strengthens students coordination of key strokes. They are asked to complete 50 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing, 75 yards of backstroke, 50 yards of breast stroke, 50 yards of side stroke, 75 yards of elementary backstroke, and 25 yards of butterfly. We introduce the sidestroke, butterfly and the act of treading water at this level.

Private Swim Lessons • Ages 2-99

Private lessons are intended for 1:1 instructor and participant time in the pool. These lessons go fast so swim as fast as you can and secure your spot!